The Rachel Skirt was the first pattern I ever sewed. I decided to teach myself how to sew while I was pregnant with my now 6-year-old daughter. I used knit, but I developed prenatal carpal tunnel. Holding the needles caused too much pain. Left with not being able to make anything for my daughter, I searched for something to do that wouldn’t cause pain. I always wanted to learn how to sew, so I figured it was now or never.
A friend had an old, very basic sewing machine that she was going to give away so she gave it to me. My first project was cloth baby wipes. I had no idea want I was doing. I figure sewing two squares together couldn’t be that hard, right. I used some blankets that were given to me and cut my squares. They were definitely not even. But I made them with no pain in my wrists. I also relealised sewing was a sort of instant gratification versus knitting that took me 3-4 days to complete. I was hooked. After that, I you-tubed all kinds of sewing videos. And then I discovered PDF patterns. I love that I can print them from home and the instructions are simple with pictures. And the rest is history.
In my search for easy patterns, I found the Rachel Skirt pattern. I love it. It was so easy and FREE. I made several adorable skirts for my little girl.
However, she’s six, almost seven. She has developed her own sense of style. It’s interesting to say the least. For example, she always wears mismatched socks. It has become her trademark. So sadly, this skirt is no longer her style. But she still loves skirts. So, I decide to do a very simple hack to turn the skirt into something she’d love. And it’s knit with a knit band!! Let's start!
Step 1. Print out the pattern in the desired size and tape it together.
Step 2. Cut the middle skirt (2 pieces). This will be top layer.
Step 3. Cut the trim layer in half (lengthwise) and tape it to the bottom of the middle skirt. Now cut the new pattern piece x 2. This will be you bottom skirt piece.
Step 4. Cut your waistband 4” (length) x width based on elastic chart in the pattern (mine was a size 6, so I cut it at 20”).
Step 5. Fold the waistband in half lengthwise (short-sides together) with the wrong sides together and sew at a ¼” seam allowance.
Step 6. Sew the two sides of what is now the top and bottom skirts as indicated in pattern.
Step 7. Hem the bottom of the two skirts with a ¼" hem allowance.
Step 8. Turn the skirts right side out. Insert the top skirt over the bottom skirt (wrong side of top skirt to right side of bottom skirt) and match the raw edges. Mark the centers by matching the seams.
Step 9. Sew two rows of gathering stitches along the edge.
Step 10. Fold the waistband in half, with the wrong sides together so the seams are matching. Mark the waistband at four even sections.
Step 11. Insert the waistband over the right side of the skirt. Gather the skirt even around the waistband without stretching it. Sew the waistband to the skirt. Flip the band up.
And you are done !!
I hope you all enjoyed this simple tutorial. And that the little one you will make it for loves it as much as mine does.
(Written by: Maggie Bernabe)
